Summit taps into state’s alcohol industry

Alejandro del Peral, cider maker and owner of Albany-based Nine Pin Cider Works, and his mother, Sonya, were among those in attendance at Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s second Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit, held Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at The Egg Center for Performing Arts at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y.
Mike McMahon - The Record

ALBANY >> Governor Andrew Cuomo wants state government to ditch its former reputation as an obstacle for entrepreneurs in the alcohol industry, and become a major facilitator instead.

Cuomo hosted his second ever Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit at the Egg Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday.

The first summit was held in October of 2012. Members on the summit’s panel said the results of that discussion created an industry boom in the past year.

With antiquated laws from the State Liquor Authority, and difficult start up systems, “It was an industry that I know needs government assistance,” Cuomo said. State government invested $60 million toward the cause to fix those problems, with a notion Cuomo called “entrepreneurial government” in mind.

Advertisement

Brewers returned this year to praise the work that was done, particularly the One Stop Shop initiative, which gives information on permits, incentives, and ways to start businesses. “When you do better, the state does better,” Cuomo told the entrepreneurs in the room.

Government officials congratulated the room full of beverage enthusiasts on their success in the industry. Overall the number of wineries, cideries, distillers and breweries saw a 400 percent increase together. “It’s working and I believe we have even more to do,” Cuomo said.

Although alcohol, a potentially dangerous substance, is the product, “It’s all about creating jobs. It’s all about stimulating the economy,” Cuomo said. The four subindustries have created nearly 4,000 jobs in their recent growth.

Another benefit is the tourism dollars New York has raked in since the investment. Revenue in tourism increased $4 billion last year, and Cuomo credits that in part to the new attractions in the alcohol industry.

The first summit’s success is apparent, Cuomo said. “The proof is in the pudding,”

This year, the governor again came in with open ears to concerns, issues and ideas on how to better the business climate for future growth.

As Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver noted “Craft breweries are popping up everywhere.” There are now 151 in New York, and the numbers are growing. The Capital Region is no exception, most recently inviting Rare Form Brewing Company to Troy, and Nine Pin Cider Works to Albany.

Alejandro del Peral of Nine Pin Cider Works was part of the discussion Tuesday. His cidery, which opened earlier this year, is the first licensed farm cidery in New York state. He came to bring up the idea of legalizing growler filling stations at farmers’ markets. “The farmers’ markets are direct access for vendors,” he said, explaining the disadvantage to the industry if the product is not present.

Local farm winery owner Joseph Messina of Amorici Vineyard in Valley Falls came with an interest in hearing about labor laws. “Labor cost is ridiculous,” he said. The winery currently only has one employee, but could do much more with additional workers.

Going forward, Cuomo still has faith in the thriving industry. “It’s something we want to continue to invest in because we believe there’s more revenue to reap,” he said.